Puzzle and book structure

ABSTRACT

A combination puzzle and book structure wherein a multi-layered leaf board thereof has a partial unadhered common surface between two of its layers in the central region of the leaf board. An end leaf is adhered to the top layer of the leaf board. Cuts extend from the end leaf to the partial unadhered common surface to form puzzle pieces. The end leaf and the leaf board are individually hinged to a spine board and a book is adhered to the spine board.

United States Patent Carter et a]. 1 1 June 11, 1974 15 1 PUZZLE ANDBOOK STRUCTURE 3,161,423 12/1964 Hcrtzhcrg 281/29 3 .3 t I 3 1751Leeweee Cttttte 31131313 111322 5:155:11? 2537153 ii,

TOWnShlP; Edward Mulleflt 3,171,540 3/1965 Douglas 273/157 R ux W stfid. th f J.v 3,195,924 7/1965 Carter ct a1 281/29 Assigneez Book Covers,Inc. Newark NJ 3,206,226 9/1965 Boyle 281/29 [22] Filed, Mar. 28, 1969FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 812,971 2/1937 France 281/29 PPN-1811t487 447,152 5/1936 Great Britain 3.5/35

[52] US. Cl 273/157 R, 281/29, 35/8 A Primary ExaminerAnton O. Oechsle[51] Int. Cl. A631 9/10 58 Field of Search 273/157; 35/31, 35,55;281/29, 31, 36 [57] ABSTRACT A combination puzzle and book structurewherein a [56] References Cited multi-layered leaf board thereof has apartial unad- UNITED STATES PATENTS hered common surface between two ofits layers in the 3 O 1926 27 central region of the leaf board. An endleaf 1s ad- 11325333 511934 F1261; $1133 3? hetett te the e teyet ef thet eeetd- Cute extend 1,972,206 9 1934 Thomay 273/157 from the end leafto the Parnell unadhefed Common 2,007,530 7/1935 Greene 273/157 surfaceto form puzzle pieces. The end leaf and the 2,538,085 1/1951 Cotton35/35 X leaf board are individually hinged to a spine board and2,946,137 7/1960 Worth et a1 35/35 a book is adhered to the spine board.3.107918 10/1963 Edlen 1. 273/157 R 3,131,488 5/1964 Slater 35/31 7Claims, 8 Drawing Figures I IS IQ. I6 11 1 lb 2/O\ 7 n /y ,1 ,r/ /r/ @58 J 1 \P\ \J\ 1 k K 9 11 l PATENTEDJUH I 1 e374 SNEH Z (If 2 Zeta 000 C.Ch y b 4190 A. NOLLE/Y PUZZLE AND BOOK STRUCTURE This invention relatesto a puzzle and book structure. More particularly, this inventionrelates to a book cover for a juvenile book with an inlaid type die cutpuzzle.

Heretofore, various types of book covers have been utilized in themaking of juvenile books. In many instances, these book covers have beenprovided with a pair of leaf boards and an intermediate spine boardwhich are hinged or otherwise secured to each other. Further, it hasbeen known to use such book covers to mount a book containing a story onone leaf board and to mount various visual or audio aid devices on theother leaf board. For example, recording devices have been mounted on aleaf board which contain an audio tape or record of the printed story ofthe book mounted on the other leaf board. In this way, a child can viewthe printed pictoral representations of a story while listening to anaudio presentation correlated to the pictoral representations.

However, the books which have been constructed in the above manner havebeen relatively expensive to make. Further, such books, have, in someinstances, not captured the imagination of the children, especiallychildren of early age. Generally, this latter disadvantage has beencaused by the lack of manipulative operations needed to use the books.Also, these books have not been able to teach children in the sense thatthe story of the book section has not been developed in an interestingmanner so that the child-reader can himself easily develop the sense andmeaning of the story as it unfolds.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a book coverwhich can be used in making a juvenile book capable of attracting andholding a readers attention.

It is another object of the invention to provide a book cover whichpermits the use of a visual aid with a printed story.

It is another object of the invention to provide a book cover whichallows the use of a manipulative device with a printed story.

It is another object of the invention to provide a book cover which canbe easily made into a book having manipulative pieces incoropratedtherein in associated with a printed story.

Briefly, the invention provides a puzzle and book structure for a bookcontaining a printed story and manipulative visual aids corresponding tothe story.

The puzzle and book structure is constructed with a pair of multi-layerleaf boards which are hinged together so as to overlie each other whenin a closed position. Both leaf boards are made with the layers adheredtogether, as by gluing, to form unitary units. However, in one of theleaf boards, preferably the right hand leaf board, an area between twoof the layers remains unglued so that the layers are free of each other.

In one embodiment, the layer or layers of the leaf board which face tothe inside of the book are die-cut within the unadhered area of thelayers so that a plurality of separate removable pieces are formed inthe leaf board. These separate pieces can be of a regular shape, such asrectangular, or of an irregular shape, such as for a jig-saw puzzle. Inthis manner, the die-cut pieces can be removed from the leaf board andreplaced in the fashion of a jig-saw puzzle. Further, since theremovable pieces are cut directly from the leaf board, the interiorsurface of the leaf board presents a smooth surface with respect to thesurrounding uncut area so that the book can be closed flat.

In order to place a pictoral scene or other visual representation on thedie-cut removable pieces of the leaf board, the previously printed endleaf of a book simply adhered to the leaf board in the conventionalfashion. In this way, after die-cutting of the leaf'board with thepicture, a jig-saw type puzzle results which is integral with the bookstructure. In another construction, a book can be secured to the otherleaf board in a way that the center of the book opens from the outsideedge of the left hand cover board. This permits the puzzle to remain inview while the book is read.

In another embodiment of the invention, both leaf boards can beconstructed with plies which are not adhered to each other in apredetermined area. In this embodiment, one leaf board can be die-cut soas to contain a plurality of interengaging pieces as above, while theother leaf board can be die-cut with the cut piece removed so that arecess is formed which can be used to store a small few paged bookrelated to the picture puzzle.

In another embodiment of the invention, a number of slots canbe die-cutinto the leaf board containing the unglued layers. These slots can thenbe used for the insertion and holding of other board or plastic figuresin an upright position. This would give a threedimensional effectrelating to the pictoral work on the inside label as well as the storyin the book. Furthermore, a separate die-cut board having figurestherein which can be broken out of the board, can be supplied whereinthe figures would fit into the inserts of the slotted leaf board.

In another embodiment, one of the leaf boards can have a circular recesscut into the interior face so that a phonograph record of suitable sizecould be fitted and stored within the recess. Such a record would relateto the story in the book as well as the puzzle. Such a book, therefore,would provide three different effects for the reader. Namely, one effectwould be the pictoral representation on the die-cut of the book, asecond effect would be provided from a reading of the book materialwhile the third effect would be an audio effect supplied by the recordwhich is stored under the book in the leaf board recess.

In another embodiment, the book can be mounted in the cover withoutbeing conventionally bound to the leaf boards. In this case, a slot canbe cut-out through one inside layer of the back leaf board and the bookwould be held or bound into a thin but relatively stiff light-weightpaperboard cover of a thickness and dimension so that the cover can beslid into the slot between the layers of the leaf board.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description and appended claimstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of. a puzzle and book structureaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the book structure of FIG. I in an openposition;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the puzzle and bookstructure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 3 of a modification of theinvention wherein the book is mounted to one side of the structure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 3 showing another modificationof the invention wherein one of the leaf boards contains a die-cutrecess to receive a book;

FIG. 6 illustrates another modification of the invention wherein figurescan be mounted in upright fashion in one of the leaf boards;

FIG. 7 illustrates a modification of the invention wherein a record canbe stored within one of the leaf boards of the structure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates another modification of the invention wherein thebook can be anchored between the layers of one of the leaf boards.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the puzzle and book structure 10 is formedwith a cover board structure made up of a pair of leaf boards 11, aspine board 12 and a hinge strip 13 which secures the leaf boards andspine board together in a hinge relationship. Each of the leaf boardsand the spine board 12 are of multilayer construction, for example, ofthree layers. In addition, the hinge material strip 13 is secured to theoutermost layers of the leaf boards and spine board. However, the hingematerial strip 13 may also be secured to the inner layers of the leafand spine boards where suitable. In addition, the puzzle and bookstructure 10 includes a jacket 14 of cover material which covers theexterior surface of the cover board structure and is folded into theinside edges of the cover board structure. Also, the structure 10includes a book 15 which has end leaves 16, each secured over the leafboard 11 of the cover board structure and over the edges of the jacketmaterial 14.

Referring to FIG. 3, one of the leaf boards 11 (eg the right-hand leafboard) is constructed of three layers 17, 18 and 19. Initially, whenconstructed, the three layers are glued to each other in alignedfashionso as to form a single integral unit. However, while theinnermost layers 17, 18 are glued completely between their facingsurfaces, the outermost layers l8, 19 are only glued along the bindingedges of their facing surfaces so as to leave an unadhered commonsurface therebetween. In order to make the leaf board 11, such can beconstructed in a manner as set forth in US. Pat. No. 3,195,924. However,in applying the glue to the surfaces of the respective layers, thegluing roller can be programmed so as only to apply glue to thosesurfaces that will provide the edge areas of the final leaf board 11while omitting application of any glue to the surfaces that form theunglued area of the leaf board 11. This operation can be carried out inany suitable manner as is known, and therefore is not further described.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, after the jacket 14 has been securedabout the cover structure and the book 15 has been applied with the endleaves 16 adhered to the outermost layers of the leaf board 11 and spineboard 12, the right-hand leaf board 11 containing the unglued areabetween the layers 18, 19 is cut, for example, by a die-cutter, so as toform a plurality of separate pieces in the leaf board of doublethickness out of the glued layers 17, 18. As shown, the die-cut pieces20 can be formed in a regular pattern or an irregular pattern (notshown). These die-cut pieces 20 can be manually removed from theremainder of the book and puzzle structure 10 and replaced in the samemanner. Since the pieces 20 are cut directly out of the leaf board 11 aflat surface is presented so that when the book structure I0 is closed,it remains in a flattened configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the end leaf 16 which overlies the die-cutleaf board 11, is provided with a pictoral representation, for example,a series of numbers form I to 28 in a regular pattern. Upon cutting ofthe leaf board 11, this end leaf 16 is also cut-out while forming atemplate for the pieces being cut-out of the leaf board 11.

Alternatively, the end leaf 16 of the book can be provided with anysuitable pictoral representation which can also function as a templatefor die-cutting the adhered layers 17, 18 of the leaf board 11 in aregular or irregular pattern, such as a jig-saw puzzle arrangement.Further, the book 15 can contain a story which is related to thepictoral representation on the end leaf 16. For example, the story canset forth directions for removing the various die-cut pieces from theleaf board 11 in a particular array so as to produce a suitable effectfor the juvenile reader. The book 15 may also contain a story forreturning the removed pieces 20 in a particular array.

Referring to FIG. 4, wherein like parts are indicated by like numbers asabove, the puzzle and book structure 21 can have the book 15, forexample, a pamphlet bound book between hard covers, mounted over theleft-hand leaf board 11 such that the pages of the book 15 will open tothe outside of the book. In this way, the book 15 will not interferewith the puzzle side of the puzzle and book structure 21. Thisunconventional mounting of the book 15 has the effect of allowing theright-hand side cover board with the puzzle to be completely visiblewhile a child reads the story contained in the book 15. To this end, asshown, the outer end leaf 22 of the book 15 is extended to a doublewidth to overlie and be adhered to the leaf board 11 and spine board 12and to contain a pictoral representation for cutting out with the pieces20 of the leaf board 11 on the righthand side as viewed. Alternatively,a separate preprinted cover piece can be secured across the leaf boardsand spine and separately secured to an end leaf of the book 15.

Referring to FIG. 5, wherein like parts are indicated by like numeralsas above, both leaf boards 11 of the puzzle and book structure 31 can beformed with layers which are not glued to each other within aperipherally glued area so as to define unadhered common surfacestherebetween. In this case, the righthand leaf board 11 is die-cut asabove to form a plurality of pieces 20 of double thickness, whereas theleft-hand board is merely cut-out to form a recess 32 within the insideface of the leaf board 11. The recess 32 is, for example, of doublelayer depth so as to receive a book 33 of a few number of pages, forexample, a pamphlet type book. This puzzle and book structure 31 canalternatively be made with a spine board of minimal width such that whenthe book is in a closed position, the two leaf boards 11 substantiallylie flat against each other.

Referring to FIG. 6, wherein like reference numerals have been used asabove, the puzzle and book structure 41 has a book 15 which is securedto the left-hand leaf board 11 in the manner as described in FIG. 4. Inadditiona, an outer end leaf 22 of the book or a separate cover piece issecured over the leaf boards 11 and spine board 12 as described above.Also, the right-hand leaf board 11 is provided with a plurality of slots42 which are formed by die-cutting out the double layer thickness ofleaf board material. The slots 42 can be of any particularconfiguration, such as circular, elongated, rectangular and the like.The slots 42 serve to receive depending tabs 43 of figures 44 so as tomount the figures 44 in an upright manner from the book. The figures 44can be of flat two-dimensional shape or of a contoured three-dimensionalshape. For example, where the figurs 44 are made of two-dimentionalshape, such can be cut-out of a single layer thickness of board materialor can be manually punched out of a separate single layer of boardmaterial which is supplied with the puzzle and book structure 41. Oncethe figures 44 have been made independent, they can be inserted intosuitable slots 42 within the leaf board 11 so as to correlate with aparticular story line in the book 15. Thus, the puzzle and bookstructure 41 can be utilized to produce a three-dimensional effectrelating to a pictoral representation on the cover sheet 22 on the leafboard 11 in which the figures 44 are mounted.

Referring to FIG. 7, wherein like reference numerals as above have beenused to indicate like parts, the puzzle and book structure 51 isconstructed in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, theleft-hand leaf board 11 is initially formed so that the upper layer 17is glued to the middle layer 18 only about a peripheral area or alongtwo edges. Thereafter, a recess 52 is formed in the leaf board 11 bycutting out the upper layer 17 to remove an interior area of theuppermost layer 17. This recess is sized to receive a phonograph record53 which contains an audio presentation related to the story in the book15. Also, the book is mounted on the left-hand leaf board to lie overthe record with the pictoral representation of the end leaf 22 or coversheet on the other leaf board 11. It is noted in this regard that theend leaf 22 is also cut-out in the area in which the recess 52 isformed. Consequently, when the book 15 is in a closed position, itcompletely covers over the recess 52. Access is made to the recess 52 bysimply opening the book 15 completely away from the leaf board 11.Alternatively, the book 15 can be conventionally mounted on the spine 12so that access to the phonograph record recess 52 is available when thebook structure 51 is opened.

Referring finally to FIG. 8, wherein like reference numerals have beenused to identify like parts as above, both leaf boards 11 have layerswhich are not adhered to each other completely. As above, the right-handleaf board is die-cut to provide a plurality of pieces whereas theleft-hand leaf board has a slot 62 of elongated length cut into theoutermost layer I7 to communicate with the unadhered area between thelayers 17, 18. In addition, the book 15 is mounted as a pamphlet boundin a paperboard cover 62 of thin thickness with a cover 64 which issized to fit into the recess 62 and he slid between the plies or layersl7, 18 of the leaf board 11; In this fashion, the book 15 is anchored bythe cover 64 between the layers of the leaf board 11. Also, since thecover 64 is not secured by an mechanical or other means, except byfriction, the book 15 can be easily removed from the book and puzzlestructure 61. This completely eliminates the conventional gluing andbinding requirements and makes a very flexible assembly. Y

The invention thus provides a puzzle and book structure which not onlyprovides a story but also provides a pictoral representation on pieceswhich can be manipulated in a particular manner related to the printedstory. Consequently, the juvenile reader not only is exposed to theexperience of reading a story but also the experience of manipulatingthe components of a pictoral representation related to the story. Inthis manner, the impact of the story can be more easily understood bythe reader. The reading ability and the comprehension of the reader cantherefore be readily increased.

The invention also provides a puzzle and book structure which can beassociated with three-dimensional objects which are mounted on apictoral presentation of the structure in a particular pro-arrangedpattern as well as with audio aids, such as phonograph records. In thecase of the audio aid, such as a record, such can be mounted within thestructure in an easily stored position.

It is noted that once the book has been incorporated into the coverboard structure, such structure forms a completed unit which is readyfor use. Also, it is noted that the die-cut pieces of the variousstructures described above, can be cut-out before insertion of the bookinto the structure.

Further, the invention provides a puzzle and book structure combinationwhich combines a number of features which are desireable for marketingpurposes in a single unit. For example, the capability of dual use forreading and puzzle manipulation or the multi-use of reading,manipulation, and audio presentation within a single compact unitpresents an economic feature which enables a reduction in overall salescost per unit of use to be obtained. Also, in manufacturing such units,the various steps needed to obtain the novel structures are at arelative minimum while the waste of material is at a practical absoluteminimum. This permits a relatively low. cost structure to be obtained.

What is claimed is:

l. A combination puzzle and book structure comprising at least one leafboard of multi-layer construction, at least two layers of which have apartial unadhered common surface therebetween, said partial unadheredsurface being in the central region of the leaf board, a spine boardhingedly connected to the leaf board, an end leaf having a centralcut-out region corresponding to said partial unadhered common surfaceand adhered to the peripheral portion of the top layer of the leaf boardand joined to the spine board to permit hinged movement therebetween,said top layer of the leaf board having cuts extending from said partialunadhered common surface to the exterior of said top layer of the leafboard to form a plurality of removable pieces in said leaf board, and abook having a spine portion that is adhered to said spine board, andwith the end pages of said book being unadhered to said leaf board.

2. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim I,wherein said end leaf is printed with printed matter.

3. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 1,wherein said removable pieces are of a rectangular shape.

4. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 1,wherein said removable pieces are of irregular shape.

5. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim I,wherein said leaf board is of three layers, and said cuts extend throughtwo layers thereof to form pieces of two layered thicknesses.

forth in claim 6, further comprising a jacket covering the outer ends ofsaid leaf boards and the border region on the top layer of said firstleaf board, said border region excluding the removable pieces.

1. A combination puzzle and book structure comprising at least one leafboard of multi-layer construction, at least two layers of which have apartial unadhered common surface therebetween, said partial unadheredsurface being in the central region of the leaf board, a spine boardhingedly connected to the leaf board, an end leaf having a centralcut-out region corresponding to said partial unadhered common surfaceand adhered to the peripheral portion of the top layer of the leaf boardand joined to the spine board to permit hinged movement therebetween,said top layer of the leaf board having cuts extending from said partialunadhered common surface to the exterior of said top layer of the leafboard to form a plurality of removable pieces in said leaf board, and abook having a spine portion that is adhered to said spine board, andwith the end pages of said book being unadhered to said leaf board.
 2. Acombination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 1, whereinsaid end leaf is printed with printed matter.
 3. A combination puzzleand book structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said removablepieces are of a rectangular shape.
 4. A combination puzzle and bookstructure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said removable pieces are ofirregular shape.
 5. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forthin claim 1, wherein said leaf board is of three layers, and said cutsextend through two layers thereof to form pieces of two layeredthicknesses.
 6. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth inclaim 1, further comprising a second leaf board hinged to said spineboard to have said spine board disposed between said leaf boards.
 7. Acombination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 6, furthercomprising a jacket covering the outer ends of said leaf boards and theborder region on the top layer of said first leaf board, said borderregion excluding the removable pieces.